Mammography diagnostic reference levels in Western Australia.

Area of Science:

• Radiological Physics
• Medical Imaging
• Public Health

Background:

• Mammography is a vital screening tool for breast cancer detection.
• Establishing diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) is essential for optimizing radiation dose and image quality.
• Previous DRLs for Western Australian mammography units were not established.

Purpose of the Study:

• To collect mammography dose data from Western Australian units.
• To establish state-specific Diagnostic Reference Levels (DRLs) for mammography.
• To provide data that can inform future national DRLs.

Main Methods:

• Data collection from full field digital mammography (FFDM) and digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) units in Western Australia.
• Determination of mean glandular dose (MGD) using standard phantoms (ACR Phantom, 2 cm PMMA, 6 cm PMMA).
• Analysis of dose data to establish reference levels for different equipment types and phantom thicknesses.

Main Results:

• DRLs were established for FFDM and DBT units.
• For the American College of Radiology (ACR) Phantom, DRLs were 1.3 mGy (FFDM) and 1.5 mGy (DBT).
• For 2 cm PMMA, DRLs were 0.9 mGy (FFDM) and 1.0 mGy (DBT); for 6 cm PMMA, DRLs were 2.0 mGy (FFDM) and 2.3 mGy (DBT).

Conclusions:

• State-specific DRLs for mammography have been successfully established in Western Australia.
• The collected data serves as a foundation for developing national reference levels.
• These DRLs will assist in quality assurance and dose optimization in mammography services.